Weyerhaeuser announces leadership changes

Leaders of the Timberlands, Wood Products, Cellulose Fibers and Real Estate businesses now report directly to president and CEO Dan Fulton, the company said.

“Today’s announcement results in a leaner, flatter structure,” Fulton said. “The elimination of the executive VP forest products position increases my direct involvement in the businesses. I am committed to increasing profitability, reducing debt and returning value to shareholders, and I am confident that these changes will help us achieve these goals.”

The company appointed Tom Gideon, previously EVP forest products, to lead the company’s Timberland business. Gideon led the Timberlands business from 2005 to 2007 and has held a number of leadership positions since joining Weyerhaeuser in 1978.

“Tom has served Weyerhaeuser in many roles and demonstrated his leadership capability,” Fulton said. “Timberlands are our core asset and the focus of our strategic direction. Tom is the right leader to guide the Timberlands business with his deep understanding of our markets and geographies.”

Gideon succeeds Mike Branson, who announced his retirement, the company said.

Larry Burrows, previously president and CEO of the Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Co. (WRECO), will assume the role of SVP wood products. Burrows has led WRECO since 2008, and he joined Weyerhaeuser in 1989.

“Larry has demonstrated his success in driving for substantive improvements to enhance business performance,” Fulton said. “During the last two difficult years, he has brought WRECO back to profitability. He knows the market for our Wood Products business and has the unique experience of having been a wood products customer.”

Peter Orser, previously president of Quadrant Corp., Weyerhaeuser’s home-building operation in the Puget Sound region, becomes president and CEO of WRECO. Orser joined Weyerhaeuser in 1987. He assumed leadership of Quadrant in 2003.

“Peter is well prepared to lead the WRECO family of companies,” Fulton said. “He has demonstrated success in focusing, aligning and building an effective team while still acknowledging significant product and market differences.”